Happy Friday, Nellie Citizens!

WEEK IN REVIEW

  • While students enjoyed a day off on Monday, our teachers were busy learning together! Staff continued our book study of Reading Power by Adrienne Gear, focusing on Connecting as a strategy for strengthening reading comprehension. Teachers explored ways to help students connect what they are reading to their own experiences, other texts, and the world, helping them think more deeply about what they read. Ask your student what it means to make a connection while reading! In the next month we are teaching students the strategy of visualizing to help us build understanding as we read.
  • On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday our Grade 4 students enjoyed two afternoons with EcoCooks. This science-based environment and food literacy program addresses how food choices impact our planet. Through fun, science-based, hands-on workshops students are empowered to take environmental action with every bite.
  • On Wednesday we had our first lockdown practice. The safety of all students and staff  is of great importance. To that end, we work diligently to establish appropriate safety measures and precautions for the various situations that may occur and affect our staff and students. Every school in CBE is required to practice 6 fire drills and 2 lockdown drills per year.  Two police constables assist us with the lockdown drills, and the drill is not over until a police meets the class in person to let them know.
  • On Thursday, our Grade 6 students hosted our first Celebration of Indigenous Learning Assembly, sharing learnings from their science studies of Indigenous plants, along with art work and a collective poem they wrote, inspired by the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address . Their presentations brought together cross-curriculum learning outcomes in Language Arts , Science, and Social Studies, while deepening students’ understanding of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and connections to the natural world.
  • October 19-23 was Take Me Outside Week and  Take Me Outside Day. This movement encourages K-12 educators to move learning and activities beyond the classroom walls. Grade 3s and 4s took advantage of the beautiful weather on Thursday and went on a community walk to Glenmore Park. Our students enjoyed opportunities to step outdoors and learn from the land. Students slowed down, used their senses to notice the world around them, and put Indigenous learning into practice by connecting with and appreciating the land.
  • During Secret Path Week, each class participated in a Walk for Wenjack. Chanie Wenjack was a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who ran away from residential school in 1966, hoping to return to his family more than 600 kilometres away. Tragically, Chanie died from hunger and exposure before reaching home. The Walk for Wenjack  honours Chanie’s life and gives students an opportunity to learn about the history of residential schools, reflect on reconciliation, and consider how each of us can “Do Something” to create positive change.
  • You can see video highlights of these activities and other events on our school Instagram: NellieSpark

THE WEEK AHEAD:

  • Individual student results from the Provincial Literacy and numeracy screening will be sent home this week.
  • Oct. 26-30 Rocks N Rings curling residency in phys.ed.
  • Mon. Oct. 26-PM: EcoCooks workshop in grade 4
  • Tues. Oct. 27 -PM: EcoCooks workshop in grade 4
  • Fri. Oct. 30, 12:15pm- Students are invited to wear their Halloweern costume and join in our costume parade.


COMING UP:  

November is:

Hindu Heritage Month Canada

Lebanese Heritage Month

  • Mon. Nov. 2- Grade 5 field trip to National Geographic Live
  • Tues. Nov. 3- 9:00am Grade 5 Celebration of Indigenous Learning assembly
  • Thurs. Nov. 5- Individual fall photo retakes

            -11:00am Grades 4-6 Digital Citizenship Presentation

Stay on top of everything going on by visiting our school calendar and link it to your phone.


SAVE THE DATE:

For Winter Concert we will have Group A on December 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. This is the same schedule for Group B on December 17th. We have not yet determined which classes will perform on each night yet. We will let you know soon so you can plan in advance!


SCHOOL COUNCIL

Next School Council meeting: Thursday November 19. Everyone welcome!  Pizza supper and babysitting provided. Receive updates from the Principal, hear about next year plans, fundraisers, fun events and provide your input. No need to take on a role. We are a friendly and relaxed group, committed to supporting our kids - please join us to see what we are involved in! 

VOLUNTEERS

    If you would like to volunteer with your child's class, please ensure:

  1. You have a current, valid police information clearance including vulnerable sector search
  2. Your name is current in our CBE Security Clearance database.
  3. You have filled out the Annual Volunteer Registration Form for the 2026-2027 school year.

    If you are not yet registered to volunteer, follow the steps outlined here: CBE Volunteer Clearance Process

NEWS STORIES AND PHOTOS

Kindest regards,

Aleta 

 

Aleta Terlecki

Pronouns: she, her

Acting  Principal | Nellie McClung 

Calgary Board of Education | cbe.ab.ca

t| 403.777.8620 

e| adterlecki@cbe.ab.ca